Over the past week, our community has come together to celebrate student excellence through a series of significant events.
Speech Night
Held in the Main Auditorium of City Hall on Friday 17 October, Speech Night was a fitting occasion to recognise the outstanding academic achievements of our students. The venue provided a beautiful backdrop for an evening that highlighted the results of dedication, perseverance and hard work.
The Churchie Symphony Orchestra and Choir delivered exceptional musical performances, with a particularly joyful recessional rendition of Johann Strauss Sr’s Radetzky March, performed by Year 12 student Eric Zhang.
We extend our congratulations to all students from Years 7 to 12 who received awards. Special recognition goes to the following Year 12 students who received Outstanding Excellence awards:
Outstanding Excellence Awards
The Barry Kelly AM Making of Men Award: Oliver Crum
The Spirit of Churchie Award: Will Evenden
The John Crampton Andrews Memorial Award: Angus Storen
Outstanding Academic Excellence Awards for 2025
E D Lee Memorial Prize (Proxime Accessit to the Dux in IB): Hayden Smith
C E Elliott Rhodes Scholarship Award (Proxime Accessit to the Dux in QCE): Jeongmin Choi
Neville Harpham Memorial Prize (Dux of the School in IB): Alex Ma
Tyrwhitt Memorial Cup (Dux of the School in QCE): Eric Zhang
Last Friday’s Awards Assembly in Morris Hall celebrated a wide range of cocurricular achievements in 2025. It also marked the announcement of our incoming student leaders from the class of 2026. These students will be formally commissioned in their roles as prefects and house captains during the Founder’s Day service at St John’s Cathedral early next year.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to George Samios and the 2025 Year 12 leadership team for their commitment and service. Their legacy of positivity, respect and ‘all in’ sets a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders to build upon in 2026.
Tri-Service Cadets Graduation Parade
The annual Tri-Service Cadets Graduation Parade took place on Saturday 18 October. Due to an approaching electrical storm, the event was relocated from Main Oval to Morris Hall. We commend Mr Craig Howe, Head of the Tri-Service Cadets, and his team for managing the transition smoothly, and thank the cadets for their adaptability.
The ceremony, rich in military tradition and symbolism, featured an address from our Reviewing Officer, Brigadier Justin Roocke. We proudly acknowledge the graduating cadets for their dedication and service to Churchie’s cadet programme and congratulate all award recipients for their achievements.
Churchie Awards in Media
Last Tuesday evening, Morris Hall hosted ‘CAM Noir’, this year’s Churchie Awards in Media. This gala event showcased outstanding student work from Years 9 to 12, including short dramas, documentaries, experimental films and silent films, all presented in classic noir style. The night also featured the premiere of our satirical intro film, ‘Cam Noir: The Viking Eagle’, complete with surprise teacher cameos.
The quality of the work reflects the dedication and creativity of our students, supported by committed staff across the faculty. I would especially like to acknowledge Head of The Arts Stephen Taggart, for his significant contribution and ongoing support of our Film and Television students.
School Council is calling for nominations for the Churchie Parent Advisory Association (CPAA) Executive for 2026. All current parents are encouraged to consider nominating.
The CPAA exists to consider issues of importance to the School and the parent body, to provide advice from the parent body to the School Executive and School Council, and to facilitate communication between the School and the parent body.The 12-person CPAA Executive Committee is selected by School Council each year, with representatives drawn from parents in the Prep School, Years 7 to 9, Years 10 to 12, Boarding, cocurricular support groups and Parent Connect. While Executive members represent particular groups, they should be able to engage in discussion across all areas of school life.There are two meetings of the CPAA Executive each term, as well as a general meeting open to all parents (12 meetings per year in total). It is expected that Executive members will attend at least nine of those meetings.A copy of the CPAA Constitution can be found at this link.
To nominate for the CPAA Executive for 2026, please complete the nomination form linked here by Friday 31 October
On Wednesday 3 December Churchie will host the traditional Ashes cricket luncheon at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank. With the second test starting the following day at the Gabba, the city will be alive with anticipation for another contest between these great rivals.
The Churchie Ashes Luncheon is regarded as Brisbane’s flagship cricket event. This year promises to be no different and is expected to sell out. The entertainment package is outstanding, with Jonathan Agnew, BBC cricket correspondent, as the main speaker, and Phil Tufnell and Glenn McGrath joining Evan Bancroft on the panel.
In addition to the three-course meal and premium beverages, including a complimentary vodka bar, there will be the popular bowling competitions, raffles and auctions.
Tables and seats are selling fast. Be sure to secure your place to support the Churchie Cricket programme and our charity partner, Parkinson’s Queensland.
This will be a memorable luncheon, so don’t miss out.
If you have any queries, please contact Ian Greig on 0412 386 291 or at [email protected].
Growing together: our commitment to lifelong learning
Just as we take great pride in seeing the growth and development of our boys throughout the year, we also take equal pride in the ongoing growth of our staff as professional educators. At Churchie Prep, learning is not only at the heart of what we do for our students, but also a defining feature of our teaching culture.
Our teachers continue to engage in a range of professional development opportunities, both externally at conferences and workshops, and internally through shared professional learning. These opportunities allow our staff to refine and strengthen their teaching practice in line with current educational research and evidence-based approaches.
This year, our professional learning has been centred around the Science of Learning, underpinned by Cognitive Load Theory. This framework has guided teachers in designing lessons that maximise learning and retention. You will see this reflected in classrooms where boys begin their lessons with rapid reviews, anchoring prior knowledge before introducing new content. Teachers are also providing worked examples and gradually releasing responsibility to students, helping them to become more confident and independent learners.
Our focus on literacy has also deepened. Staff have continued to build their expertise in the latest research on reading, and you may now notice boys more enthusiastically engaging in their writing. This is thanks to the introduction of our new whole-school writing approach, the Writer’s Toolbox, which equips our boys with structured strategies to express their ideas with clarity and creativity.
This ongoing professional development highlights the dedication and commitment of our teachers to ensuring that their practice remains at the forefront of effective teaching. By investing in their own growth, our staff ensure that every boy benefits from engaging, evidence-based learning experiences that nurture curiosity, confidence and success.
At Churchie Prep, we know that when teachers learn, students thrive, and it is this shared pursuit of excellence that continues to define our school community.
Prep School value of the week: determination
When you use determination, you focus your energy and efforts on a task and stick with it until it is finished. Determination is using your willpower to do something when it is not easy. You are determined to meet your goals even when doing so is hard or you are being tested. With determination we make our dreams come true.
Attribute of the week: open-minded
When you are open-minded, you understand and appreciate your own culture and personal histories and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. You seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and you are willing to grow from the experience.
Parents collecting their Prep School sons from allocated pick up zones
We request that all vehicles that enter Prep Pick Up Zones (Reception to Year 1; Years 2 and 3; Years 4, 5 and 6) display their son’s name clearly in the lower passenger-side windscreen.
This is a tremendous help to staff on duty in these zones and assists with traffic flow, making it less of a burden for all and helping the line move faster.
If you require a name card (or a second for a second vehicle), please email your son’s name and class to [email protected] and this will be created and sent home with your son.
All support and adherence would be greatly appreciated.
Year 3
This term, in our Unit of Inquiry lessons, the Year 3 boys will be exploring the fascinating concept of heat and its effects on matter. Through the transdisciplinary theme How the World Works, the boys will take on the role of scientists, testing their predictions to deepen their understanding of the central idea that ‘Science helps us understand our Earth’. In Week 1, the unit began with an exciting Street Science incursion featuring captivating demonstrations, from coloured flames to the dramatic effects of liquid nitrogen. These experiments fuelled the boys’ curiosity and set the stage for their investigations into how heat changes the state of matter. Throughout the term, the Year 3 boys will engage in hands-on experiments and authentic scientific inquiry to build their knowledge and understanding of this concept.
Shannon Nicholson Year 3 Team Leader
Maths Olympiad
Congratulations to our Years 5 and 6 students who competed in the Maths Olympiad this year. Team 1, made up of students from Mr Frewin’s and Mr Boles’/Mrs Nearhos’ classes, has been awarded special recognition, placing in the top 10 per cent of teams entered nationwide. This is a fantastic achievement in a highly reputable and academically rigorous competition.
Well done to the following students who achieved top 10 per cent individual scores: Joe Ge, Tom Lai, Marcus Lee, Ternence Lu, Dhruv Bansal, Huxley Callianiotis, Keith Cheng, Cuba Curtis, Liam De Almeida, Tom Duke, Jackson Hall, James Valentine, Ethan Valentine and Alan Wu.
Music Fest Strings Eisteddfod
A big congratulations to our Prep Strings (Years 5–6) and Prep Junior Strings (Years 2–4) on their wonderful performances at the Music Fest Strings Eisteddfod, held last night at Iona College.
Both groups played beautifully, demonstrating impressive focus, musicality and expressive playing throughout their performances.
A huge thank you to their talented and dedicated directors, Mr Hooper and Ms Rochet, for their outstanding work in preparing the students and guiding them with such care and commitment. Thank you also to our wonderful accompanist, Mrs Oxenford, for playing with us.
We are thrilled to share that both ensembles were awarded Gold: Prep Strings and Prep Junior Strings. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the students’ hard work and enthusiasm.
Melissa Black Head of Prep Music
Book Fair
In Week 4, the Prep Library will host a Book Fair, where you can browse for Christmas gifts and get advice about what your family members might enjoy reading. Fifteen per cent of the sales will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Please see the accompanying image for times and an online catalogue.
Anglicare collection
On behalf of Anglicare Brisbane Children and Families (foster and kinship care agency), we extend our deepest appreciation to you for your continued support of our foster and kinship carer families at Christmas time. The children’s gifts provided by our community last year meant Anglicare was able to put smiles on the faces of our children at a time that can be so difficult for them, being away from their biological parents.
Anglicare’s team supports 85 children and young people in out-of-home care, aged between zero and 17 years, as well as the biological children in foster and kinship carer families who so generously share their homes with children in need. Over the Christmas period, this number increases, and their carer families are often unexpectedly opening their homes to more children in need. As a result of your support with donations of gifts, Anglicare can provide a number of beautiful and thoughtful presents to some of our community’s most vulnerable people, ensuring they can have a memorable Christmas.
Anglicare supports a fairly balanced mix of boys and girls aged from zero to 17. For children aged 13+, gift cards are well received (ideally in $30 increments), as they like to go shopping and choose something themselves. We ask that any gift card donations do not include liquor services.
All donations can be delivered to Chaplain Stephanie’s office in the Prep Admin Building.
The Interhouse Singing competition was held on the final day of Term 3.
A significant amount of hard work went into organising the competition. We are especially grateful to several key individuals, including Mr Bowen and Mr Franklin in Morris Hall, for their contributions. Additionally, we extend our sincere thanks to Mr Grogan for his exceptional efforts in coordinating the complexities of the day. We also thank the adjudicators, who this year were Ms Andersen, Ms Brumpton, Mr Davison and Ms Postlethwaite.
Congratulations to Hillary and Magnus, who recorded attendance of more than 90 per cent.
The provisional results were announced on the day, and the trophy was awarded to Gerald House.
With the addition of attendance scores, the confirmed places for Interhouse Singing 2025 are as follows:
The Interhouse SRC Cup has once again provided some wonderful days of healthy and competitive rivalry between our 11 houses, with an expanded list of events this year that included the inaugural house quiz, run by Dr Krzensk.
I express my gratitude to all the staff members who helped organise and facilitate the various carnivals and competitions. Special thanks go to Mr Williams-Jones for his overall coordination of the interhouse events, as well as to the event coordinators: Mr Simes, Mr Sholl, Mr Chandler, Mr Condon and Mr Grogan.
The winners of the respective events were as follows:
Swimming: Kingsley
Cross Country: Kingsley
Chess: Magnus
Fly ‘n’ Die: Nansen
Tug of War: Mawson
Quiz: Mansfield
Track and Field: Kingsley
Singing: Gerald
Congratulations to Kingsley House for winning the Interhouse SRC Cup. The final standings are as follows:
What a spectacular evening in Morris Hall for Cam Noir, the 2025 Churchie Awards in Media (CAM). Our annual celebration of Film and Television from Years 9 to 12 returned to campus, filling Morris Hall with creative energy as students, staff and families applauded an impressive showcase of creativity, craft and storytelling.
The night opened with the noir-inspired introductory film, Cam Noir – The Viking Eagle, starring MCs and part-time detectives Lachlan Angas-Johnson and Henry Maher. Leaning into every classic film noir trope, and featuring a cavalcade of staff cameos, the film set a stylish, witty tone from the first frame.
Our guest adjudicator was Churchie Old Boy Michael McEwan (2017). After graduating from Churchie, Michael completed a Bachelor of Film and Screen Media at Griffith University, majoring in sound design. He now leads the production company Insight Creations. Michael was highly impressed by the standard across all year levels and gave special attention to the two IB Collaborative Film finalists, noting cohesive vision, confident performances and professional polish.
Across the programme, students presented a diverse range of works. The breadth of ideas and the level of technical execution reflected the hard work of our Film Department and the dedication of our students. Judging feedback highlighted purposeful visual language, precise cinematography, disciplined editing techniques and clear directorial intent.
Congratulations to every finalist. Filmmaking is incredibly hard! It takes courage to pitch an idea, take creative risks, work within constraints and accept critique. The habits you have built in making your films, such as collaboration, problem-solving, resilience and technical skills, will be invaluable beyond school.
Award recipients
Year 9 Showdown
Runner Up:The Quick and the Still (Rehan Mubarak, Lachlan Pigram, William Scammells, Levi Bock) Winner:Death at Dawn (Noah Robertson)
Year 10 Silent Film
Runner Up:The Chase (Max Tonkin, Reuben Shearer, Noah Drinnen) Winner:The Homework Heist (Conrad Campbell, Tom Evans, Daniel Nai)
Year 10 Mocumentary
Runner Up:Kenny Tucker – The Road to a Champion (Teddy Orthman, Astyn Davidson, Ben Bayley) Winner: Monitor Marauder (Conrad Campbell, Tom Evans, Daniel Nai)
Year 11 Narrative
Runner Up:W (Hao Hiep Nguyen) Winner:The Last Departure (Jack Gillespie, Matt Lee, Henry Wilford)
Year 11 QCE Documentary
Runner Up: (not awarded in 2025) Winner:A Brave New Game (Ryder Frewin)
I am delighted to report that our third Vision Valley programme has commenced in a very positive manner. I would particularly like to thank all 55 families for arriving at Brisbane Airport on time for the early flight to Sydney last Sunday morning. This marks our first Term 4 programme, as the previous two took place in Term 2. With a record number of attendees this year, I am confident that we will gain valuable insights over the coming weeks that will shape our approach for 2026.
The first few days have been filled with orientation experiences for all students as they adjust to a new environment, communal living and life away from home. It has been especially heartening to see relationships form between boys who normally have little contact while at school, and to observe the natural growth that occurs in every student.
News reports have highlighted record temperatures at Vision Valley and surrounds, and I want to assure all families that appropriate modifications to the programme have been made. The situation continues to be closely monitored by Pymble and Churchie staff due to these unseasonal conditions. These modifications have included changes to lesson plans and off-site trips, use of indoor air-conditioned spaces, and careful monitoring of hydration.
We know from experience that the students invariably have the very best of times, while parents are often left to worry and wait for a letter with a New South Wales postmark.
I would like to remind all families about the photograph album that is compiled during the programme, which can be accessed at the following link. We also encourage parents to write and send that first letter to their son. Receiving these letters can be a very special moment for students, and I can assure you they are often re-read as they await the next one. A post box is located in the Senior School Office (MS25), and as academic staff changes occur over the weekend, they will be happy to transport letters on your behalf.
Berian Williams-Jones Deputy Head of Senior School (7 to 9)
Jack Parry Powerchair Football Australian selection
Jack, who has been at Churchie since Year 4, started playing the sport in Year 5. His outstanding performances at club level gained him selection in the national team, which participated in the APO Cup. The tournament brings teams from the Australia–Pacific and Oceania regions together every four years. Jack scored a total of nine goals to be one of his team’s best players. The Australian team now travels to Argentina for the World Cup.
David Grogan Mansfield Housemaster
Music
Eric Kim
Please take some time to watch 2025 Captain of Music Eric Kim performing ‘Viva La Vida’ with a loop pedal in our music rooms at Churchie. This video has already had more than 40,000 views with its professional sound and film production. Eric has had a magnificent musical journey at Churchie.
Awards Assembly
Another one of Churchie’s talented violinists performed for the final time at Morris Hall during the Awards Assembly. Junee Kim (Year 12) played with great poise and added an impressive sense of occasion with the particularly fitting ‘Finale’ from Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Movement 3. Junee has also had a wonderful journey at Churchie as both a prefect and music leader. Here are some of his final thoughts before he embarks on his journey beyond Churchie:
Looking back, one of my favourite memories was performing at Founders Day in hot weather and sweaty clothes. In Year 12, a highlight was playing at the QYMA competition; it was the best I’ve heard Chamber Strings play. Also, performing O Fortuna at City Hall for Speech Night was spectacular and a memorable way to finish my time at Churchie.
I’ve been part of Churchie Music since Year 7, performing in Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings and Quartet. Each ensemble has taught me something different, from teamwork and discipline to the joy of making music together.
To the younger musicians, the music you play has the power to make someone feel something, bring happiness, peace or just a smile. So play, perform and sing with pride and joy, because what you create truly matters.
As for the future, I hope to see the rehearsal rooms filled with musicians who are passionate and eager to play, creating an atmosphere buzzing with sound, energy and friendship. The future of Churchie Music is bright, and I can’t wait to see it continue to grow.
Congratulations to Symphony Strings and the Massed Choir and Symphony Orchestra on their exceptional contributions at Speech Night 2025. After a very well-timed finish to the processional, the sense of occasion was clear, with the orchestra and voices leading the way for the National Anthem. At the first interlude, Eric Kim (Music Captain) demonstrated sensitivity and delicacy as the featured soloist, aptly accompanied by the sonorous Churchie Symphony Orchestra strings and expertly directed and shaped by Mr Ben Hooper (Head of Strings). The second interlude was a demonstration of full intensity and voluminous sound as the students tackled the famous ‘O Fortuna’ by Carl Orff. It was clear from the outset that the students were engaged with this piece and the inescapable power of fate that it represents. The soft and intense moments were beautifully contrasted with a big brass finale as the students responded perfectly to Mrs Oxenford’s (Head of Choral) conducting. The recession allowed Eric Zhang (Year 12) to conduct the recessional in what was a charismatic display of connection with both the orchestra and the audience, encouraging them to clap along at a variety of dynamics as the evening concluded in a joyful and appropriate amount of frivolity.
Congratulations to Morris Wind Symphony, who braved the hot weather conditions on Saturday and patiently waited as they rehearsed for the service, only to move to Morris Hall just before lightning struck later the same afternoon. The teamwork shown by the students to adapt and assist with gear demonstrated great spirit, which was highlighted in George Samios’ School Captain’s Speech Night address. The performance of ‘Australian Rhapsody’ added a nationalistic sense of pride to the graduation, and the unwavering support of students and parents was very much appreciated by the Tri-Service Cadets. A big thank you to all the Year 12s who came back for their final Morris Wind Symphony to assist with the service.
After the Churchie String Quartet played beautiful incidental music for the cocktails and canapes on arrival, Big Band 1 opened the show to an extremely appreciative and welcoming audience at the recent ManUp lunch held at the Emporium on Saturday 18 October 2025. The students were not afraid to show the virtuosity of the band, having recently won first place at the National Stage Band Championships, and delivered an impressive performance of ‘God Bless the Child’ as their opening number. Following this, Caspar West (Year 11) encouraged people to start dancing as they increased the tempo with Eddie Floyd’s version of ‘Knock on Wood’, before Year 11 Somerville House student Edie Shackel wandered down the road to pay homage to ManUp with Gloria Gaynor’s version of ‘I Will Survive’, as even more of the audience joined the dancing. The fun did not stop there, as the band encouraged audience participation for their final number, ‘That’s Amore’, which was chosen to suit the Italian theme for the event. Audience participation, group singing from the band and a piano accordion cameo from Noah Oxenford (Year 12) provided a fitting finish to an energetic and engaging set of music.
Music Camp – 24 to 26 October 2025, QCCC Brookfield
We look forward to a wonderful and beneficial weekend of music-making with our nationally acclaimed guest conductors.
Please note that all Year 8 and Year 11 members are to go to Music Camp instead of the spectators’ bus. All bags are to be placed in Walsh before school, with large instruments (double basses and tubas) to be placed in the loading dock.
If you have not completed your consent form and payment link, please attend to this at your earliest convenience.
Return music
All ensemble members in Years 7–12: please return any sheet music from the 2024/25 season with a barcode attached to The Centenary Library Textbook Room. A sheet music return box will be outside for you. You will be notified by the library if you have not returned this music.
Music badges
If you have played in two ensembles for two years or more, please see Mr Davison in the Music Department to collect your music badge.
These are a wonderful representation of your commitment to music and may be worn in line with the uniform policy.
Upcoming Events Term 4
As we look ahead to Term 4, please note the following important date:
Music Camp: Friday 24–26 October (Morris Wind Symphony, Big Band 1, Senior Voices, Viking Vocal 1, Chamber Strings 1, Churchie Symphony Orchestra)
Bohdan Davison Director of Music
Sport
From the Director of Sport and Activities
Week 2 in review
Another training week of growth and progress is in the bank for our Churchie teams: improvement, lessons learned and more capacity as we continue to build momentum.
We also had our chess teams competing at the state championships with excellent success (more detail in the chess section). Well done to the boys who competed and will now look to the nationals in December in Melbourne.
I recognise the appointment of our 2026 Cocurricular Captains listed below, announced last week. Congratulations to each of you on this appointment. The cocurricular department looks forward to working alongside you and supporting you throughout your captaincy this season.
Captain of Basketball: Myles Loring
Captain of Boats: Hamish Deluca-Smith
Captain of Chess: Kevin Chou
Captain of Cricket: Will Souter
Captain of Cross country: Freddie McDonnell
Captain of Debating: Hao Hiep Nguyen
Captain of Football: Loucke Oelofsen
Captain of Rugby: Freddie Monahan
Captain of Swimming: Ollie Cunningham
Captain of Tennis: Cooper Law
Captain of Track and Field: Hamish Russell
Captain of Volleyball: Myles Loring
A reminder that these positions are about service. Represent your peers with integrity, lead with humility and passion, and look for opportunities to enhance the experience for those around you. Leadership is not a title; it is the actions you take and the standard you set.
To those students who missed out on a formal position: leadership does not come from a title, it comes from your actions and influence. I hope that our 2026 sports are well supported by an entire 2026 Year 12 cohort of leaders looking to leave your mark.
The first principle of the All Blacks rugby union team is to ‘Leave the jersey in a better place. Every player is a custodian of the jersey and has a duty to leave it in a better state for those who follow, focusing on legacy over individual glory’. This philosophy carries great significance for our Year 12 cohorts. I look forward to exploring this theme further as we move through the year and into your final season.
Week 3 – what’s ahead
This week marks our final GPS competition for 2025, with our track and field athletes set to compete this Friday. Good luck to all involved; enjoy it. Churchie is behind you.
Karl Schmidt Director of Sport and Activities
Chess
2024 Queensland Schools Teams Chess Championships summary
Churchie has once again emerged as Queensland’s state champion in both the Senior and Primary divisions at the Queensland Schools Teams Chess Championships 2025. These twin victories secure Churchie’s position as Queensland’s representative, where the teams will defend their 2024 national titles at the Australian Schools Teams Chess Championships, to be held in Perth on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December 2025.
This tournament is held over two days of intense, two-hour matches. All competitors displayed outstanding skill, endurance and composure. Churchie’s triumph in both divisions highlights the strength of Churchie Chess and the dedication of its students, coaches and directors.
In the most competitive events since 2011, Churchie and the leading GPS premier schools were locked in a tight race heading into the final round. After six hard-fought rounds, Churchie clinched the Senior Championship outright with convincing wins over their closest rivals, earning the right to defend their 2024 national title later this year.
This success marks the ninth Senior Division title since 2013 and the second consecutive Primary Division victory, an outstanding record that has the Queensland chess community buzzing.
Notable performances included Sraven Renjith (IM), who captured the Board 1 Award with five wins from six matches, and Jayden Ooi (FM), who placed third on Board 2 with 4.5 wins. Ryan Xing, Ian Li, Owen Shen and Ryan Liaw were rotated strategically to counter specific opposition strengths, achieving strong results, though this rotation made them ineligible for individual board prizes.
Churchie’s Chess Captain, Sraven Renjith (IM), delivered a gracious victory speech, acknowledging the efforts of players, organisers and coaches whose dedication made this success possible.
Senior team: Sraven Renjith (IM), Jayden Ooi (FM), Zerui Xing (CM), Owen Shen, Ian Li and Alex Renwick.
Primary division: Churchie’s double victory
Churchie entered two teams in the Primary division, both performing at an exceptional level. The First Team dominated the competition, sweeping all six matches with outstanding results. Their hardest and most memorable encounter came against Churchie’s Second Team, a thrilling match that demonstrated the programme’s depth and spirit of friendly rivalry.
The Second Team also performed remarkably well, particularly impressive given that most members are graduates of Churchie’s Tuesday Chess Academy and are younger than many of their competitors. Their maturity and composure under pressure reflect the strength of the school’s chess development pathway.
As both teams prepare for the 2025 Australian Schools Teams Chess Championships, the Churchie community is rallying behind them with fundraising and focused training.
With strong momentum from their Queensland victories, both teams are poised to proudly defend their national and state titles on the national stage.
Strength and Conditioning
Resistance training offers far more than physical benefits.
Recent research shows that two to three sessions per week can enhance academic performance and cognitive function in high school students. Improvements have been observed in executive function, memory, learning, attention, reaction time and decision-making.
These cognitive gains are linked to increased prefrontal cortex activity, higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (which supports neuron growth and plasticity), and increased blood flow and arousal of the central nervous system. Resistance training also helps reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue and stress.
In the classroom, students who train regularly demonstrate better engagement, longer attention spans, self-regulation, sleep quality, confidence and motivation. It is no surprise that resistance training has been shown to lead to better grades, improved test scores and stronger academic achievement.
If you have ever been interested in participating in the Churchie Strength and Conditioning programme, please email [email protected] or come to the foyer of the SJPSC and speak to Jack Pratt, our Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, to discuss schedule options.
Jarrad Boswell Director of Athletic Development
Sporting achievements
Congratulations to the following boys for their recent selections in representative teams at state, national and international level.
Zachary Tsai (Year 8) won first place in the Queensland State Boulder Title for U15 last weekend and won first place in the Queensland State Lead Titles U15 in August. He has won two state championships for two different types of sport climbing this year.
Hockey
Riley Wondergem (Year 12) competed in the Men’s State Indoor Hockey Championships in Toowoomba, Saturday 4 to Monday 6 October, representing South Brisbane Vipers, finishing in third place. Riley was named in the U21 Queensland team to compete in the U21 National Championships in Canberra in January 2026.
Riley also represented South Brisbane Vipers in the U18 Men’s State Indoor Hockey Championships in Maryborough, Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October, and won the championship with a 4–1 win against Brisbane.
Parent Connect
Volunteering with Parent Connect
There are many opportunities for parent volunteer engagement at Churchie. This is an ideal way for new and current parents to make connections and friends in the Churchie community.
Opportunities are open to parents from Reception to Year 12. Regular volunteering opportunities include Chapel Flowers, Meals on Wheels and Community Cookers.
If you are interested in helping, please complete the parent volunteer engagement form:
Join here. The Churchie parent community has a long-standing initiative to enable the sharing of contact details for those who opt in and provide consent. Joining the Parent Connect database is easy. Once you’ve joined, you’ll receive communication from your parent coordinators, access to your cohort’s parent contact list and membership in the private Facebook groups.
Parent Connect AGM
The Parent Connect AGM will be held on Wednesday 5 November 2025 at 6 pm in Brenan Pavilion. This is open to all parents. For refreshment numbers, please complete the 2025 AGM Agenda and RSVP.
If you are interested in joining the Parent Connect Executive Committee for 2026, please also indicate this on the 2025 AGM Agenda and RSVP, and a member of the current committee will contact you.
Pixevety
Churchie photo library
Pixevety is Churchie’s photo platform, where photos from across the School will be uploaded weekly. The system recognises students so parents can simply click ‘myVIPs’ and see their son’s photos in one easy location.
Families new to the School may not see ‘myVIPs’ yet, as new student ID photos are still to be processed in the system. However, you can still browse the galleries.
Watch the video below to learn how to use Pixevety.
We welcome mums and dads to volunteer at our tuckshops. Please contact the Tuckshop Volunteers Coordinator for more details if you can spare some time during the term to help in our busy tuckshops.
